In an incident that unfolded at Miami International Airport (MIA), a man was taken into custody after a violent altercation that left an American Airlines employee hospitalized.
The man was arrested on Monday night following the incident that took place during an American Airlines flight bound for LaGuardia in New York.
Arrested suspect identified as Bruno Luke Machiavelo
According to an official arrest report, the man, identified as Bruno Luke Machiavelo, 29, hailing from Connecticut, is now facing a slew of charges, including aggravated battery, battery, disorderly conduct, and resisting an officer without violence.
Reports are that at a certain point during the flight, Machiavelo approached a flight attendant, expressing his need for medication stored in his checked-in luggage, citing panic attacks as the reason.
Alleged threats of past Incidents
When informed that retrieving the medication was not possible, Machiavelo allegedly made alarming statements, claiming that he “took planes down with panic attacks in the past,” the report said
This prompted airline personnel to take action.
Escalation and violence erupts
Attempting to de-escalate the situation, an American Airlines manager approached Machiavelo to escort him off the plane.
However, he began screaming and physically pushing the manager, further intensifying the situation.
Assault on American Airlines employee
He reportedly punched the manager multiple times in the face, causing her to fall and strike her head on the jetbridge.
The severity of the attack left her hospitalized and resulted in permanent scarring to her face and head, as detailed in the arrest report.
The chaotic incident continued to unfold as Machiavelo exited the plane. He pushed a gate agent, causing her to fall to the ground and sustain injuries to her hands.
Response by law enforcement
American Airlines employees sought help from law enforcement, flagging down officers who swiftly responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, they discovered Machiavelo on the ground, engaged in a physical struggle with several passengers attempting to restrain him.
Suspect taken into custody
Law enforcement officers eventually managed to take Machiavelo into custody. Subsequently, he was transported to a local hospital for evaluation, with plans to book him into jail after medical clearance.
American Airlines responds
American Airlines issued a statement on the incident, expressing their commitment to the safety and well-being of their staff and passengers.
“Acts of violence against our colleagues are not tolerated by American Airlines and we are committed to working closely with law enforcement in their investigation,” the statement read.
The airline also extended its support to the injured team member.
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